Masses of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia have commenced the final rites of the Hajj pilgrimage as Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Adha. The stoning of the devil, a symbolic ritual, is part of the final rites of the Hajj pilgrimage. This comes after more than 1.8 million pilgrims congregated at Mount Arafat, outside Mecca, to perform the annual rituals. However, due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Palestinians in Gaza were unable to travel to Mecca for Hajj and celebrate Eid al-Adha as usual. President Joe Biden has extended his wishes to Muslims for a blessed Eid al-Adha and emphasized the importance of community and charity [fab11c9d].
Fourteen Jordanian pilgrims have tragically died from sunstroke during the Hajj pilgrimage, and over 2,760 pilgrims have suffered from sunstroke and heat stress. Despite these challenges, Muslims worldwide continue to commemorate Ibrahim's test of faith by slaughtering livestock and distributing the meat to the poor. Prayers for peace and unity are being held in various locations, including Gaza, the West Bank, Yemen, Iraq, and Lebanon. The Hajj pilgrimage is a requirement for all physically and financially able Muslims and takes place during the second week of Dhu al-Hijjah [fab11c9d].
At least 550 pilgrims, mostly Egyptians, have died during the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca. Out of the total reported deaths, 323 were Egyptians who succumbed to heat-related illnesses. The figure was obtained from the hospital morgue in the Al-Muaisem neighborhood of Mecca. Additionally, at least 60 Jordanians have also died during the Hajj. The total reported deaths from multiple countries so far is 577. The rising temperatures in the area where the rituals are performed, attributed to climate change, have increasingly affected the pilgrimage. Saudi officials have treated over 2,000 pilgrims suffering from heat stress. Around 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the Hajj this year, with 1.6 million of them coming from abroad. Tens of thousands of pilgrims attempt to perform the Hajj through irregular channels, putting themselves at risk as they cannot access the air-conditioned facilities provided by Saudi authorities. Saudi officials have cleared hundreds of thousands of unregistered pilgrims from Mecca ahead of the Hajj. Other countries, including Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal, have also reported deaths during the Hajj this year [89f2aa31] [fab11c9d].
More than 1,000 people died during the haj pilgrimage this year, with the majority of deaths being Egyptians. The Egyptian death toll rose to 672, and another 25 people were reported missing. Indonesia reported 236 deaths, while India reported 98 deaths. Additional deaths were reported by Tunisia, Jordan, Iran, and Senegal, bringing the total death toll to at least 1,114 people. An Egyptian crisis unit has suspended licenses of 16 tourism companies and referred them to the public prosecutor for their alleged responsibility in the deaths. The unit confirmed that 31 deaths were due to chronic illness among officially registered pilgrims [cf38e27f].
The deaths of 1,300 pilgrims during this year's haj pilgrimage in the Gulf region highlights the need for better management of mass gatherings and the impact of climate change. The Gulf nations must invest in sustainable infrastructure and improve emergency response systems and crowd management strategies. Financial investments alone will not be sufficient to safeguard against such calamities in the future. The lives lost during the haj must galvanize action towards creating a safer, more resilient world [5cc5be1a].
A video claiming to show the bodies of pilgrims who died during the Hajj pilgrimage in 2024 is circulating on social media. However, fact-checkers have determined that the video is actually old and shows pilgrims who died during Hajj in 2019. The video was shared after more than 1,300 people were reported dead due to extreme heat during Hajj in 2024. The false claim about the video has been debunked, and it is not the first time that false information about deaths at the annual Muslim pilgrimage has surfaced online. Previously, similar misinformation about deaths during Hajj in 2023 was debunked. The video showing the bodies of pilgrims is not from 2024 and is outdated [f721980c].
Eid-al-Adha, also known as Bakrid, is the second-most significant festival in the Islamic calendar, following Eid al-Fitr. Southeast Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and others are observing the festival on Monday, June 17, 2024. The date of Eid al-Adha varies, as it falls on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, and this year, Eid al-Adha marks the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, commemorating the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son, Ismail, as an act of obedience to Allah. Here are 20+ wishes, images, greetings, and more, curated to mark this auspicious festival [e6cb84af].
Muslims gathered at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Ajmer, India on June 17, 2024, to celebrate Eid al-Adha. The event was attended by a large number of people, as seen in the photo. The Ajmer Sharif Dargah is a popular pilgrimage site for Muslims, and it attracts a significant number of visitors during Eid al-Adha [9ee7d75d].
Eid Al-Adha Al-Mubarek, Heijira year 1445, was celebrated nationwide in Eritrea. A Salat sermon was held at Bahti Meskerem Square, presided over by Sheik Salim Ibrahim Al-Muktar, Mufti of Eritrea. The event was attended by Ministers, senior Government and PFDJ officials, members of the diplomatic community, and thousands of the faithful. Sheik Salim Ibrahim Al-Muktar gave a briefing on the spiritual meaning of Eid Al-Adha and called for helping the needy. He also wished a Happy Eid to the Eritrean people and peace and prosperity to the country [bbbfa16e].
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, as public holidays to mark this year's Eid-ul-Adha celebration. The declaration was made by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government. The Minister called on the Muslim Ummah to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness, and sacrifice during the holidays. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians. The Minister urged all Nigerians to support the President's efforts to diversify the economy and accelerate the nation's economic recovery. The Minister also advised Nigerians to take responsibility in handing over a prosperous Nigeria to future generations [c6b92b92].
The negative impact of envy (Hassada) on individuals and society is discussed in an article by Murtadha Gusau, the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu'ah Mosque and Late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene Mosque in Kogi State, Nigeria. The article emphasizes that envy is prohibited in Islam and provides examples from the Quran and Hadith. It highlights that envy is an act of Satan and warns that it devours good deeds. The article concludes by stating that a true believer does not feel envy and instead admires the blessings of others [4a612f40].